 |
answer text |
<p>The Department follows expert advice from the Health and Safety Executive regulator
that when asbestos-containing materials are undamaged, and not in locations where
they are vulnerable to damage, they should be left undisturbed and their condition
monitored. Blanket or accelerated removal of asbestos could potentially be dangerous,
as it releases harmful fibres that would otherwise be contained.</p><p>The amount
of asbestos in schools will reduce over time through rebuilding and refurbishment
of the estate. When asbestos cannot be effectively managed in situ, it should be removed
and the Department will provide condition funding which can be used to manage asbestos
safely.</p><p>Since 2015, the Department has allocated over £7.4 billion to those
responsible for school buildings for essential maintenance, including removing or
encapsulating asbestos when it is the safest course of action to do so.</p><p>Through
the Priority School Building Programme, the Department is rebuilding or refurbishing
buildings in the worst condition at over 500 schools across the country. Asbestos
was a factor in prioritising buildings for the programme.</p>
|
|
